In this video, I make a Roman crossbow. Of course an intensive shooting test is also included. The entire manufacturing process is carried out without electricity and with many antique tools, including soldering and forging on a small forge. The crossbow was used 2000 years ago by the Roman army. It can be transported and fired by one person. Power is generated by twisting bundles of hemp rope. Almost all parts are made of oak. All heavily loaded wooden parts are wrapped with string or reinforced with riveted bronze sheet metal. I glued everything together with hide glue. All materials used were already known 2000 years ago.
I started the project five months ago. First, I planned it and then built a prototype. Once all the teething problems had been ironed out, I started manufacturing and filming the final crossbow. What initially felt like a simple project very quickly grew into the largest and most instructive object I have filmed to date. The biggest challenge was definitely working only with “old tools,” i.e., without electricity. Ultimately, this crossbow feels like my masterpiece. I was also impressed by the power that can be generated with this rope system.
A big thank you goes to my wife and children for their support and cooperation.
Technical data of the crossbow: Tested draw weight 136 kg (300 pounds) Powerstroke 50 cm (19.5 inches) Length 110 cm (43 inches) Width unstrung 85.5 cm (33.5 inches) Width strung 65 cm (25.5 inches) Height 50 cm (19.5 inches) Weight 10 kg (22 pounds)
